Went for a ride with...

[The Anvil]

...my Valk's PO the other night, first ride together since he got back from the sandbox. He's got a 2008 Aprilia Tuono now. It was a perfect night, big full moon over the Atlantic once we got out to the coast and it made me really wish I had my camera. But the eventful part of the evening was that we switched bikes for a while.

Now, it's been a while since I've been on anything as sporting focused as the Tuono. The Buell was very sporty, but you sat much lower and feet were not as high. The bike overall felt much looser (shifting etc.) than the Tuono did. In fact, if it weren't for the V-Twin I wold have thought I was on my 954RR, it's THAT Japanese precise. 

Honestly, I did not enjoy the experience. I chalk it up largely to being stuck in some traffic, the nighttime hours and an unfamiliar control feel and the fact that I've become THAT comfortable and familiar with the Valk. We're gonna do another switch some time during daylight hours and I expect I'll feel a lot more comfortable then. But it was soooo nice to get back on the Valk, even if the high beam is completely useless and the brakes are (by comparison to really modern radials binders on the Tuono) completely substandard. Even Matt noted that he had forgotten just how lousy the Valk brakes are, remarking that his department's patrol bikes brakes (H-D Glide) are much better. However I feel that braided lines will help that situation and now I'm forced to upgrade (which you'll see in a separate thread).

[Bobbo]

It's funny you mention the weak brakes on the Valk.  When it came out in 1996 (1997 model year) it was heralded as a marvel in braking!  Dual front rotors with twin piston calipers front and rear was true performance back then!

The SS braided hoses make a noticeable difference.  I recommend them.

[The Anvil]

It's funny you mention the weak brakes on the Valk.  When it came out in 1996 (1997 model year) it was heralded as a marvel in braking!  Dual front rotors with twin piston calipers front and rear was true performance back then!

The SS braided hoses make a noticeable difference.  I recommend them.

Well for the time they were very good. Better than the brakes on my 99 FLSTF. It's not a slam on the bike, but rather an indicator of progress in that department. And yeah, I've always put SS lines on all of my sportbikes (if they didn't already come with them like the Buell) and always had favorable results. And extra quartet of pistons up front would still be welcome though.

[Bonzo]

On the braking subject, is there a way to put "Brembo" brakes on the front of the Valk?  I do not have braided brake line, but I have had my fronts lock up on me, the bike staid true, but the little puff of smoke scared the crap out of my wing man!

[Gryphon Rider]

On the braking subject, is there a way to put "Brembo" brakes on the front of the Valk?  I do not have braided brake line, but I have had my fronts lock up on me, the bike staid true, but the little puff of smoke scared the crap out of my wing man!

How are Brembo brakes supposed to prevent locking up?  Isn't that an operator thing?

[solo1]

Our family has always had the best stopping with OEM brake pads and SS brake lines on the three '97 Valks.

[czuch]

Well Sonny, remember when the Model -A came out, THAT was progress.
Sounds like a great ride. I really dont dig the night ride either, but any time on the Valk is quality.

[The Anvil]

The brake rating that was referenced above was done based on stopping distance....how has that changed as a function of newer technology?  Doesn't make much sense.

It makes all the sense in the world.

For one thing, the caliper fluid dynamic design (ports, piston, cylinder size etc.), construction (cast vs. machined from billet, multi-piece vs. monoblock, 2 piston vs. 4 etc.) and mount type (axial vs. radial) all contribute to feel, power and fade resistance. Back when the Valk came out it was largely assumed that more pistons and disks = better brake performance. This is now known to be incorrect. At one point six pistons up front was all the rage. But as it turns out what's more important than piston count is all of those OTHER factors I mentioned above. The top of the line brakes nowadays use four pistons (not six), are radially mounted and carved from billet (as opposed to axially mounted and cast) and are one piece (instead of two halves bolted together). That's technological progress.

I'm not saying I need that for the Valk, let's face it; there's technically enough "power" in the stock front brakes and feel and fade resistance are typically more important than outright power. But you need to work harder to get to the available force and the higher you get to the threshold the more you sacrifice feel which is why it's easier to lock it up when you're squeezing like a mofo. More available headroom in the braking force department means less death grip which typically equals better feel. I nice set of four piston machined calipers (two piece axial mount would be fine) would be a great upgrade.

But if you don't believe me then go ride a bike like the Yamaha Road Warrior with it's four piston machined calipers. THAT is a big bike with some great brakes.

[The Anvil]

On the braking subject, is there a way to put "Brembo" brakes on the front of the Valk?  I do not have braided brake line, but I have had my fronts lock up on me, the bike staid true, but the little puff of smoke scared the crap out of my wing man!

You'd need to have adapter plates made because Honda used the crappy sliding pin design where the whole caliper moves to compensate for the pad wear. That's another reason why feel sucks on the Valk; the calipers are not rigidly mounted.

[9Ball]

But if you don't believe me then go ride a bike like the Yamaha Road Warrior with it's four piston machined calipers. THAT is a big bike with some great brakes.

Funny you mention that...sold my 2005 Midnight Warrior that I rode for 2 years to my son and bought a new '07 Rocket 3.....very familiar.



The Valk brakes need no improvement in my book...been very happy with them for the past 11 years.  They will stop you very quickly and efficiently once familiar with them.  Face it, the Valkyrie is dated in a lot of areas but I really wouldn't want to change much.  That's why you can have more than one bike in your fleet!!!

YMMV

[Bonzo]

On the braking subject, is there a way to put "Brembo" brakes on the front of the Valk?  I do not have braided brake line, but I have had my fronts lock up on me, the bike staid true, but the little puff of smoke scared the crap out of my wing man!

You'd need to have adapter plates made because Honda used the crappy sliding pin design where the whole caliper moves to compensate for the pad wear. That's another reason why feel sucks on the Valk; the calipers are not rigidly mounted.

Thank you.

Thank you

[3fan4life]

You'd need to have adapter plates made because Honda used the crappy sliding pin design where the whole caliper moves to compensate for the pad wear. That's another reason why feel sucks on the Valk; the calipers are not rigidly mounted.

But it was soooo nice to get back on the Valk, even if the high beam is completely useless and the brakes are (by comparison to really modern radials binders on the Tuono) completely substandard.

I don't understand why you don't just JUNK that piece of CRAP Valkyrie that you ride.

Honestly, the brakes don't work and a candle would work better than the headlight, why even bother?


Yes the brakes on the Valk could feel stronger but I've never had them fail to stop me in a hurry when I needed them to.

If you grab a good "HAND FULL" of them they work and work well.

Under normal braking conditions they do feel somewhat weak.

I recently rode several Victory's and the first thing that I noticed was that the brakes worked very well, almost too well.

As far as the highbeam,

Have you ever considered simply upgrading to a brighter bulb?

I put a set of these in my Interstate and have no complaints:

   

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Xenon-5000K-White-HID-H4-12v-100-90w-Low-Beam-Bulb-2pcs-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2312851425QQitemZ150634566693QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Psychotic Bovine]

Yeah, I totally agree.  The old Valkyrie's brakes just aren't that good.


Well, compared to the stopping distance of, I don't know, hitting a brick wall?

I thought Buell's had good brakes?  What?  Beat by a 700 pound motorcycle?  That can't be right!

Amazing that those stopping distances were still the best 9 years later.  hmmm. 
Psssst:  brake discs and calipers are only a small part of good stopping distances.  Who here can guess why the Valkyrie does so well?  I have a pretty good idea why and it's something that you would think would detract from overall braking distances.

[RoadKill]

Yeah, I totally agree.  The old Valkyrie's brakes just aren't that good.


Well, compared to the stopping distance of, I don't know, hitting a brick wall?

I thought Buell's had good brakes?  What?  Beat by a 700 pound motorcycle?  That can't be right!

Amazing that those stopping distances were still the best 9 years later.  hmmm. 
Psssst:  brake discs and calipers are only a small part of good stopping distances.  Who here can guess why the Valkyrie does so well?  I have a pretty good idea why and it's something that you would think would detract from overall braking distances.

I'll bet that 107.4' was with out the advantage of a car tire !   
And I'll argue the '97 Marauder times. Lori had one when I bought the Valk. Maybe it was my fat ass 150lb heavier and her better reaction times (I'll NEVER admit it ) but that lil Suzuki could 'whoa' like crazy ! 

[The Anvil]

Yeah, I totally agree.  The old Valkyrie's brakes just aren't that good.


Well, compared to the stopping distance of, I don't know, hitting a brick wall?

I thought Buell's had good brakes?  What?  Beat by a 700 pound motorcycle?  That can't be right!

Amazing that those stopping distances were still the best 9 years later.  hmmm. 
Psssst:  brake discs and calipers are only a small part of good stopping distances.  Who here can guess why the Valkyrie does so well?  I have a pretty good idea why and it's something that you would think would detract from overall braking distances.

As I said already, there's technically plenty of power available and the long wheelbase helps immensely in being able to use what's there. But I still think that feel is lacking. In fact, having ridden bikes with state of the art brakes I KNOW that feel is lacking. A straight haul down from 60 mph (100mph would be a better measure of performance BTW) does not tell the whole story. There's braking in the rain, repeated hard braking, braking while leaned over etc. I'll tell you what; repeat that test five times in rapid succession and you'll likely see the Valk's distance increase dramatically over the course of the test.

As far as "junking this piece of crap" goes; I love the bike despite it's imperfections. But the fact is that it could use better brakes and a better headlight. I'd also like FI and belt drive. I could get a number of other bikes from several manufacturers and have those things, but I chose this bike as much for what it isn't as for what it IS. But that's just not enough for some members of the cult.

[3fan4life]

As far as "junking this piece of crap" goes; I love the bike despite it's imperfections. I chose this bike as much for what it isn't as for what it IS.

You profess to LOVE the bike but you consistently complain about it's "IMPERFECTIONS".

I will assume that you also "chose" your wife, if you complain about whatever imperfections she may have as often as you do your Valkyrie, I'd say that there is a trip to DIVORCE COURT in your future.

But the fact is that it could use better brakes and a better headlight.

Nothing is perfect, the brakes could be better but they work when you need them. And the headlight problem can be solved cheaply (but then you couldn't gripe about it).

I'd also like FI and belt drive. I could get a number of other bikes from several manufacturers and have those things,

Then SELL the VALK and get one! 

But that's just not enough for some members of the cult.

Hey, if you don't LIKE our "Little Cult" then feel free to join another one.

While many members here have great political and or religious differences that create significant and even sensless debate at times.

Most of us do agree that we ride ONE of the BEST motorcycles EVER made.

If you can't EVEN AGREE on that one point then I too must ask:

WHY ARE YOU HERE ?

[The Anvil]

As far as "junking this piece of crap" goes; I love the bike despite it's imperfections. I chose this bike as much for what it isn't as for what it IS.

You profess to LOVE the bike but you consistently complain about it's "IMPERFECTIONS".

I will assume that you also "chose" your wife, if you complain about whatever imperfections she may have as often as you do your Valkyrie, I'd say that there is a trip to DIVORCE COURT in your future.

But the fact is that it could use better brakes and a better headlight.

Nothing is perfect, the brakes could be better but they work when you need them. And the headlight problem can be solved cheaply (but then you couldn't gripe about it).

I'd also like FI and belt drive. I could get a number of other bikes from several manufacturers and have those things,

Then SELL the VALK and get one! 

But that's just not enough for some members of the cult.

Hey, if you don't LIKE our "Little Cult" then feel free to join another one.

While many members here have great political and or religious differences that create significant and even sensless debate at times.

Most of us do agree that we ride ONE of the BEST motorcycles EVER made.

If you can't EVEN AGREE on that one point then I too must ask:

WHY ARE YOU HERE ?

You really are batshit crazy dood. 

[3fan4life]

You really are batshit crazy dood. 

REALLY, That's the BEST reply that you have ?

[The Anvil]

You really are batshit crazy dood. 

REALLY, That's the BEST reply that you have ?

I already covered everything else multiple times. I'm not going to repeatedly engage a lunatic. That's the definition of insanity, innit? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

[3fan4life]

You really are batshit crazy dood. 

REALLY, That's the BEST reply that you have ?

I already covered everything else multiple times. I'm not going to repeatedly engage a lunatic. That's the definition of insanity, innit? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

You're RIGHT I must be a lunatic..................

I expected you to act like an ADULT instead of a JUVENILE...........

WHAT WAS I THINKING ???????   

[Dogg]

You really are batshit crazy dood. 

actually, I got a chuckle out of that...lol

REALLY, That's the BEST reply that you have ?

[Valkahuna]

Anvil, you are just full of yourself aren't you? You start off by stating a complaint of the Valks brake system, stating that the newer technology on a new Sport Bike trumps the inadequate Valk system (no sh*t, really??? ). Then when someone calls you on your comments, and shows real world numbers of excellent braking performance, then you start talking about wet roads, leaning over, fade, etc...., all stuff that had nothing to do with your original post.

Do you actually believe that you are as experienced as you claim to be, and are as smart as you think you are? If you have done all the things that you claim to have, you must be at least 130 years old. 

Do yourself a favor, don't try so hard to be an expert on everything, go with the flow, and maybe you wont get into difficulty with others on the board, like you do with the majority of your posts. You need to remember that you are on a Valkyrie Board, and many here don't think this is a good place for criticizing their pride and joy.

Hey, JMHO, but I can't stay away from your posts, 'cause you know about everything, and consistantly give your "expert advice" on all subjects. Sad really!

As I said already, there's technically plenty of power available and the long wheelbase helps immensely in being able to use what's there. But I still think that feel is lacking. In fact, having ridden bikes with state of the art brakes I KNOW that feel is lacking. A straight haul down from 60 mph (100mph would be a better measure of performance BTW) does not tell the whole story. There's braking in the rain, repeated hard braking, braking while leaned over etc. I'll tell you what; repeat that test five times in rapid succession and you'll likely see the Valk's distance increase dramatically over the course of the test.

As far as "junking this piece of crap" goes; I love the bike despite it's imperfections. But the fact is that it could use better brakes and a better headlight. I'd also like FI and belt drive. I could get a number of other bikes from several manufacturers and have those things, but I chose this bike as much for what it isn't as for what it IS. But that's just not enough for some members of the cult. 

[The Anvil]

Anvil, you are just full of yourself aren't you? You start off by stating a complaint of the Valks brake system, stating that the newer technology on a new Sport Bike trumps the inadequate Valk system (no sh*t, really??? ). Then when someone calls you on your comments, and shows real world numbers of excellent braking performance, then you start talking about wet roads, leaning over, fade, etc...., all stuff that had nothing to do with your original post.

It had everything to do with my original post because all of those things relate to feel which is my biggest complaint with the Valk's brakes. I've been nothing if not consistent. It's not my fault if you're predisposed to hearing what you want to hear.

Do you actually believe that you are as experienced as you claim to be, and are as smart as you think you are? If you have done all the things that you claim to have, you must be at least 130 years old. 

Some people sit around, some people pack a lot of living into their years. I have a lot of hobbies and have had a few different careers (some at the same time). Your perception of how much a 39 year old can have experienced may be skewed by your own inactivity but what exactly have I claimed to do that's so outlandish anyway? I've ridden a LOT of bikes. I also grew up racing. Is it so crazy to think that I might have taken something from my time on earth?

Do yourself a favor, don't try so hard to be an expert on everything, go with the flow, and maybe you wont get into difficulty with others on the board, like you do with the majority of your posts. You need to remember that you are on a Valkyrie Board, and many here don't think this is a good place for criticizing their pride and joy.

See, this is total horseshit. Subjects come up all the time that I never involve myself in. But what I DO know about I KNOW ABOUT so I do not tiptoe. If it makes me seem like a know-it-all then that's just too bad. I know what I know. You can either benefit from the information or dismiss it. Your loss, not mine. As far as trying to convince me that I shouldn't point out the Valk's imperfection; save the effort. Won't happen.

Hey, JMHO, but I can't stay away from your posts, 'cause you know about everything, and consistantly give your "expert advice" on all subjects. Sad really!

Again "all subjects" is just wrong, but I'm sorry if I bummed you out. What's really sad is that it would seem that along with being bliss, ignorance is also contagious.

[fordmano]

WOW!  Another one of these threads by guess who??? ???



Do your homework and upgrade what you don't like or change vehicles!
Belt drive? Umm yeh!!! Wonder why cars don't  have them rubber bands on them??

NUFF said!!!

[MacDragon]

Keeping with the subject matter... can't we all just put the BRAKES on and get along.  "Anvil... GO TO YOUR ROOM!"  "Don't you come out until you want to be part of this happy family!"

We all need to hop in the family van and go get ice cream...

[Bobbo]

Belt drive? Umm yeh!!! Wonder why cars don't  have them rubber bands on them??

NUFF said!!!

They could, if they weighed less than 900 pounds!

Modern belt drives are more efficient than chain, and far more efficient that shaft drive.

Does your car have a shaft drive for the alternator, P/S pump, and A/C compressor, or does it use a "rubber band"?   

[The Anvil]

Belt drive? Umm yeh!!! Wonder why cars don't  have them rubber bands on them??

NUFF said!!!

They could, if they weighed less than 900 pounds!

Modern belt drives are more efficient than chain, and far more efficient that shaft drive.

Does your car have a shaft drive for the alternator, P/S pump, and A/C compressor, or does it use a "rubber band"?   

For that matter, do your Valkyries cams run on shafts, or a rubber band? Ever seen a top fuel dragster with a shaft drive blower? I haven't.

And the Nissan CVT transmission uses a belt drive. So yeah, some cars do have them.

Belt final drive is superior to shaft drive in pretty much every way. Virtually no maintenance, more efficient and much lighter than shaft while also facilitating final drive gearing changes. Belts have one drawback and that is that they need eventual replacement (though I've seen well cared for belts go 80k miles). But from what I've seen shaft final drive can have it's own set of bugaboos.

[BradValk48237]

Belts wear and get stones or other things in them and jump a pulley... seen it happen ANd it really suck to pull a shredded belt out of all the areas they can wind into.... they do need maint..... They can stretch and cause excessive lash...... have worked on them and Shaft is much closer to bullet proof..... I can change the oil in my rear end and do basic maint easily..... break or damage a belt.... off comes the wheel...

I have had shaft driven Hondas for 30+ years and NEVER had many of the issues that a SMALL number of riders on this site have had..... Changing the oil once a year and lubing when changing tires.....

They all have thier problems, but I have NEVER had them..... (now watch the rear end go out on the way to Inzane!)

Lets all play nice or it will be out of the sandbox for all of you!

B

[solo1]

Anvil, the experience that you've acquired in 39 years is very good.

In my 83 years I've been trained as a medical aideman and infantryman, was a registered Xray technician at the VA, worked as a mechanist, electrician, VW mechanic, service manager, Quality Control tech, Electronic and mechanical tech,  Associate environmental engineer, 14 years as a city councilman (never lost an election) 19 years and still serving on the Board of Works and Public Safety in our city,  Hobbies include the Shooting sports, digital photography, RIDING,  ham radio, etc.

My proudest achievement however was the "Sagamore of The Wabash" award, Indiana's highest civilian award given by the governor.  This award is generally given to those that contribute something to the betterment of the community with the highest honor the ability to work with and get along with people.

Now, I don't mention this to brag but only to mention what on old foogie like me did in my 83 years just as you mentioned your abilities.

However, however, you might want to reconsider, with your experience, using derogatory words like 'cult', "bat4hit crazy dood', 'lunatic' on this board as it is demeaning to you and to the members of this forum.

I do believe that I have the experience to see the difference between  'getting along' vs 'it's me against them'.

If you have any contentious reply to this, I won't reply.  I'm comfortable with my comments.

[The Anvil]

Belts wear and get stones or other things in them and jump a pulley... seen it happen ANd it really suck to pull a shredded belt out of all the areas they can wind into.... they do need maint..... They can stretch and cause excessive lash...... have worked on them and Shaft is much closer to bullet proof..... I can change the oil in my rear end and do basic maint easily..... break or damage a belt.... off comes the wheel...

I have had shaft driven Hondas for 30+ years and NEVER had many of the issues that a SMALL number of riders on this site have had..... Changing the oil once a year and lubing when changing tires.....

They all have thier problems, but I have NEVER had them..... (now watch the rear end go out on the way to Inzane!)

Lets all play nice or it will be out of the sandbox for all of you!

B

Well once a final drive belt stretches initially it's pretty much done stretching for the rest of it's useful life. As it starts to fail it'll stretch rapidly. That's why you should give it a check every so often. By doing that I've never had a toothed belt drive failure, on anything really. But you have to check shafts too from time to time and lube splines so there's a tradeoff. You're also more likely to be able to get a belt in the middle of nowhere than you will parts to rebuild a blown rear end.

Look, the shaft works fine. But I'd personally rather have a belt for the weight savings and less involved rear wheel removal process. But it is what it is.

[The Anvil]

I do believe that I have the experience to see the difference between  'getting along' vs 'it's me against them'.

If you have any contentious reply to this, I won't reply.  I'm comfortable with my comments.

Solo, I appreciate what you have to say. But I really don't see where I deserve a lot of the heat I get simply for being truthful in my feelings.

[solo1]

Thank you Anvil. 

I don't think it's what you have to say so much as it's your adjectives and nouns that you use to describe your fellow riders.

W

[Gryphon Rider]

Dear critics of Anvil:

If you're always getting your shorts in a bunch after reading his posts, SKIP HIS POSTS!  There are couple of VRCC members whose messages I regularly skip for various reasons.  There are also a number of members who will regularly challenge opinions presented on this board, and I make a point of reading their messages because their arguments are usually presented with intelligence and have facts to back them up.

There are different styles and types of personalities in this world, and in an online environment (who knows how you'd interact face to face?), your personality simply doesn't mesh with his.  The fact of the matter is that if he'd bought a Valkyrie and joined this group back when Valks were being made, he wouldn't irritate you quite as much as he does.  It's just the fact that he is newly arrived and vocal with his contrary opinions that seems to annoy a few (maybe many) of you.

Personally, I would rather read a well-though-out opinion that contrasts with mine, even when presented with what some may call a know-it-all attitude, than some of the popular but unresearched opinions presented by other more popular individuals on this board.  I have often seen messages posted that communicate a popular sentiment, but when the facts or opinions in the message are challenged by a "know-it-all", a handful of people jump on the "know-it-all", making statements about his motives and painting him with their preconceived stereotypes rather than actually considering his arguments.

When it comes to Anvil's criticisms of the Valkyrie, why aren't you hearing what he's been saying all along, that he chose to buy a Valk over other bikes IN SPITE OF ITS PERCEIVED FAULTS.  Valkahuna 3fan4life, comparing his criticism of his Valk to how he might talk to his wife?  Do you say "sorry" to your car when you slam the door?

Anvil, as far as I am concerned, if you continue to respect the "Rules of the Road", your writing will continue to be read (and usually enjoyed) by me.

Kevin

[fudgie]

Sure alot of folks bustin anvils balls over what he dislikes. Dont we all dislike something about our Valks? Some want cruise, fuel gauge, better tabs on side covers, non peeling chrome on the alt cover, better left rear bearing, etc. So we all should have our nuts busted. 

[The Anvil]

...except we don't call the writers of these differing opinions "blissfully ignorant" or a "cult member" or crazy when (and if) we disagree.

Because I'm told to sell my motorcycle for having the nerve to point out it's shortcomings.

To those of you who bother to actually read and think about what I write instead of just reacting negatively, thank you.

[RoadKill]

I remember a few other members catching hell for marching to a different drum beat...hell, I think there was an organized lynch mob one time (lucky bastard was out of country at the time  )

Anvil is just the latest non-conformist to catch attention ( and fastest at being the new guy to swat the hornets nest ) he at least seemed prepared for the wrath and I give a  for holding his own quite well.

[Stanley Steamer]

If it's any consolation to those that got their feelings hurt by Anvil's harsh words is this.
I've been called a lot worse from more imporant people than Anvil and I survived. Time heals all wounds. Just remember, it will get better. 

The worst thing anyone can call me is late to dinner(and I haven't missed many of those lately, obviously... )

[Mr Steve]

Sure alot of folks bustin anvils balls over what he dislikes. Dont we all dislike something about our Valks? Some want cruise, fuel gauge, better tabs on side covers, non peeling chrome on the alt cover, better left rear bearing, etc. So we all should have our nuts busted. 

There is also a difference between forums.  Criticizing mechanical aspects of the bike seems to be much better tolerated on the tech board than this one.   I love my Valk, best bike I ever owned and  family will be prying it from my cold dead hands, but I also spent ten years changing all kinds of things I did not like about it.  Nothing is perfect and the bike does have it's flaws.

I really don't understand the bashing Anvil takes every time he mentions something he doesn't like about the bike, and that bashing does make those so regularly doing it look like some kind of cult that gets all bent out of shape if someone criticizes their idol.

Ok, I'm ready to be outcast now.

[RoadKill]

Sure alot of folks bustin anvils balls over what he dislikes. Dont we all dislike something about our Valks? Some want cruise, fuel gauge, better tabs on side covers, non peeling chrome on the alt cover, better left rear bearing, etc. So we all should have our nuts busted. 

There is also a difference between forums.  Criticizing mechanical aspects of the bike seems to be much better tolerated on the tech board than this one.   I love my Valk, best bike I ever owned and  family will be prying it from my cold dead hands, but I also spent ten years changing all kinds of things I did not like about it.  Nothing is perfect and the bike does have it's flaws.

I really don't understand the bashing Anvil takes every time he mentions something he doesn't like about the bike, and that bashing does make those so regularly doing it look like some kind of cult that gets all bent out of shape if someone criticizes their idol.

Ok, I'm ready to be outcast now.

you were already the out cast.....Gotta talk better trash to make a name for yerself 

[Valkahuna]

Gryphon Rider,

A lot of what you say is very true. Thanks for saying it. I don't have that big a problem with what Anvil says, rather it is how he says it. It is always confrontational, and that gets old fast. I go along with what Solo said in his comments. If Anvil would tone down his retoric, he would have no issues.

By the way, I don't get what you mean when you talk about "comparing his Valk and his wife... and saying sorry for slamming the car door"???

I do appreciate you saying what you did though, but I still hope Anvil learns to be a bit more "social", or he will be a poster that is added to the list of those whose "musings" I care not to read.

'Nuff said!!

Dear critics of Anvil:

If you're always getting your shorts in a bunch after reading his posts, SKIP HIS POSTS!  There are couple of VRCC members whose messages I regularly skip for various reasons.  There are also a number of members who will regularly challenge opinions presented on this board, and I make a point of reading their messages because their arguments are usually presented with intelligence and have facts to back them up.

There are different styles and types of personalities in this world, and in an online environment (who knows how you'd interact face to face?), your personality simply doesn't mesh with his.  The fact of the matter is that if he'd bought a Valkyrie and joined this group back when Valks were being made, he wouldn't irritate you quite as much as he does.  It's just the fact that he is newly arrived and vocal with his contrary opinions that seems to annoy a few (maybe many) of you.

Personally, I would rather read a well-though-out opinion that contrasts with mine, even when presented with what some may call a know-it-all attitude, than some of the popular but unresearched opinions presented by other more popular individuals on this board.  I have often seen messages posted that communicate a popular sentiment, but when the facts or opinions in the message are challenged by a "know-it-all", a handful of people jump on the "know-it-all", making statements about his motives and painting him with their preconceived stereotypes rather than actually considering his arguments.

When it comes to Anvil's criticisms of the Valkyrie, why aren't you hearing what he's been saying all along, that he chose to buy a Valk over other bikes IN SPITE OF ITS PERCEIVED FAULTS.  Valkahuna, comparing his Valk his wife?  Do you say "sorry" to your car when you slam the door?

Anvil, as far as I am concerned, if you continue to respect the "Rules of the Road", your writing will continue to be read (and usually enjoyed) by me.

Kevin